Types of Spiders Commonly Found in Southern California

Southern California is home to a variety of spider species, some of which are more commonly encountered in and around homes in Redondo Beach and Hermosa Beach. Understanding these common invaders is the first step in effective spider control.

• Black Widow Spider: Recognizable by its shiny black body and the distinctive red hourglass marking on the underside of its abdomen. Female black widows are the most dangerous, and their venom is potent, though bites are rare and usually occur when the spider feels threatened, especially when protecting eggs. They prefer dark, dry, sheltered, and undisturbed places like garages, sheds, woodpiles, and hollow stumps.
• Brown Widow Spider: Closely related to the black widow, the brown widow is slightly smaller and generally lighter in color, ranging from light tan to dark brown or even black, often with shades of gray. It also has an hourglass-shaped marking, typically vivid orange or yellow-orange. Brown widows can reproduce year-round in warm climates, making them a persistent presence.
• Yellow Sac Spider: A small, light yellow spider with a slightly darker stripe on its abdomen. These spiders do not build intricate webs but create silken sacs in corners of ceilings, walls, and behind furniture. Bites can cause mild irritation and swelling. They are often found along baseboards, under furniture, or on ceilings, and outdoors in trees, bushes, or under bark and stones.
• American House Spider: One of the most commonly seen spiders, often mistaken for a brown recluse. They build tangled, irregular webs in quiet, undisturbed areas like basements, closets, and garages.
• Wolf Spider: Robust, agile hunters that do not spin webs to catch prey. They are fast-moving, usually brown or gray with hairy bodies and strong legs, and are often seen on the ground hunting insects. While generally not aggressive, they may bite if handled, causing mild pain and swelling.
• Cellar Spider (Daddy Long Legs): Characterized by small bodies and very long, thin legs. They are commonly found in dark, secluded places like basements, garages, and crawl spaces.
• Orb Weaver Spider: Known for constructing large, intricate, wheel-shaped webs, often found outdoors in gardens, forests, and grasslands, or near windows and eaves where insects are attracted. They have large, rounded or oval abdomens, sometimes brightly colored.
• Brown Recluse Spider: While more common in the central and southeastern United States, sightings have occurred in Southern California. They are light brown with a violin-shaped mark on their back. They prefer dark, undisturbed areas such as closets, attics, and crawl spaces. Bites can cause necrosis, or tissue death.